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Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant

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It is a priority of Virginia that every child, no matter where they live or what type of school they attend, has a strong, coherent literacy education tailored toward their needs and led by a content-strong, effective teacher. Strong literacy practices and supports will ensure that every child has evidence-based daily literacy instruction, and in turn, will be prepared for their post-secondary hopes and dreams. In order to continue the momentum around evidence-based literacy instruction and ensure sustained, effective implementation for years to come, the VDOE aims to extend and expand literacy efforts in divisions and student groups with the most need. VDOE was awarded funding through the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant to provide a coherent system of supports for both students and educators over the life of the grant.  

News & Announcements (Year 3)

VDOE is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant that will provide additional support and funding to ensure schools have expanded structures, tools, capacity, resources, and service providers through family engagement literacy resources for birth through Kindergarten entry and the Literacy Improvement Network. 

Beginning with the 2026-2029 grant cycle, eligible school divisions will apply for a three-year grant award, rather than submitting a competitive application each year. This revised process is intended to support sustained implementation of evidence-based literacy initiatives.  

This funding opportunity is contingent upon VDOE's receipt of a Grant Award Notification (GAN) and associated federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education. In the event of a disruption to this funding, VDOE will communicate to school divisions as quickly as possible.   

  • 2026-2027 CSLD Information Session(s): Applicants (school divisions) are highly encouraged to register for one of the Information Sessions to review the application and requirements for successful application submissions:
  • 2026-2027 Literacy Grant Application Window: August 4, 2026-October 1, 2026
    • A division may submit applications on behalf of their schools by no later than October 1, Noon.
    • The application, along with a budget workbook, should be submitted by one division-level employee and requires division point(s) of contact; acknowledgement of general assurances; administrative requirements; cost principles; uniform guidance requirements for federal awards; and a programmatic overview summary.  (View PDF of full application.) 
  • Optional Office Hours

Year 2 Background (2025-2026)

In its second year, the grant provided more than $7 million to schools across the Commonwealth to strengthen classroom instruction, support teachers and school leaders, and give families practical tools to help their child become strong readers. Year 2 funding supported family-focused literacy resources for young children and school-based networks that improve reading instruction. 

106 schools from 27 divisions were provided with CLSD grant awards. Of the awardees, 3.8% were Distinguished, 18.9% were On Track, 45.3% were Off Track, and 30.2% were Needs Intensive Support; two schools did not have SPSF ratings as they were either new or represented a feeder preschool without a rating. Additionally, 52% of awardees were federally identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) or Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI).

  • 2025-2026 CSLD Information Session: October 14, 2025, 9-10 a.m.
    • Applicants are highly encouraged to register.
    • During the Information Session, Department staff will review the application requirements and provide information for successful application submissions. Grant applications are highly competitive.
    • For those having attended previous Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant webinars, it is imperative that you register as the application contents and processes have been revised.
  • 2025-2026 Literacy Grant Application Window: October 14, 2025-November 6, 2025.
    • Divisions should complete the application following the October 14, 2025, Information Session.
    • A division may submit applications on behalf of their schools by no later than November 6, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
    • The application, along with a budget workbook, should be submitted by one division-level employee and requires division point(s) of contact; acknowledgement of general assurances, administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards (uniform guidance); and a programmatic overview summary.   
  • Optional Office Hours: October 21, 2025
    • Office hours are intended to support divisions through the application process. Division points of contact must register in advance:
  • Reference the 2025-2026 Literacy Grant Information Guide as well as Virginia Education Update for additional details.  

Year 1 Background (2024-2025) 

The year 1 grant cycle, implemented October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025, prioritized three opportunities for 33 school divisions (90 schools) with representation from each Superintendent’s Region. The English Learner Literacy Network, the Students with Disabilities Literacy Network, and Family Engagement Resources through Just Right Readers. The intent of these resources is to provide additional support and funding to ensure schools have the structures, tools, capacity, and resources to increase literacy growth and achievement for all students. 

  • English Learner Literacy Network: School leadership teams and division leaders participated in a network focused on creating and executing an action plan for increased student achievement and graduation rates and building capacity of best instructional practices for English learners. The network included virtual and in-person convenings as well as we coaching support through technical assistance to division and school leadership teams.
  • Students with Disabilities Literacy Network: School leadership teams and division leaders participated in a network focused on creating and executing an action plan for increased student achievement and building capacity of best instructional practices for students with disabilities. This network included virtual and in-person convenings as well as coaching support through technical assistance to division and school leadership teams.
  • Family Engagement Resources for Pre-K and Kindergarten through Just Right Readers: Each student received decodable books that parents can use to read at home with their child. These student-tailored packs align to the skills each child needs and their classroom instruction. Professional learning webinars were made available for participating divisions and schools. 

Questions 

Questions can be emailed to Dr. Michelle C. Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Dr. Angela Byrd-Wright, Director of Humanities, or Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English & Literacy. If selected to receive funding, assurances and budget template documentation should be emailed to Instruction@doe.virginia.gov.